Step-by-Step Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial

Beginner crocheters, let this soak in: The really nice thing about single crochet is that once you get the hang of it, all the other basic crochet stitches — double crochet and treble crochet, for example — are super easy.

Learning how to single crochet for beginners can be frustrating at first. Where does the hook go? Which way do I wrap that yarn? Just remember that once you master how to make that dreaded beginner single crochet, it's easy as pie from there!

Follow this tutorial to learn this essential stitch!

beginner crochet infinity scarf pattern

Mollie Infinity Scarf pattern (it only uses single crochets!) by Craftsy member YarnConfections

Hooks and yarn

I learned to crochet using a size H hook and worsted-weight acrylic yarn. No need to go crazy and buy any expensive yarn. I'd also suggest practicing with a light-colored yarn so that you can more easily see your stitches and what's happening with them as you crochet.

As for hooks? Check out our guide on the best crochet hooks.

Single crochet tutorial

Before you brave this tutorial, you should be able to crochet chain stitch. These GIFs make it easy to follow along and learn. Already know how? Let's get started! We'll make a small practice swatch to get you going.

Quick instructions

We'll walk through how to do the stitch step-by-step, but it can help to see it all in one spot. Here's the gist of how to single crochet:

Insert your hook into the indicated space. Wrap the working yarn around your hook and pull it through the space. You'll have two loops on your hook. Wrap the working yarn around your hook once and pull it through both loops on the hook.

That's it! Keep reading for a more detailed look at the stitch and a practice swatch tutorial.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1:

Chain 20 sts. (This will give you plenty of chances to practice your single crochet!)

Step 2:

Skip the first chain from the hook. Insert your hook into the center of the second chain from front to back. You now have two loops on your crochet hook.

Hook into the chain stitch

Step 3:

Wrap the working yarn around your hook from back to front.

wrap yarn around hook

Step 4:

Pull the yarn through the chain stitch.

Stitching single crochet

Step 5:

Wrap the yarn around your hook from back to front once more.

How to stitch a single crochet
Step 6:

Pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

You've completed one single crochet!

How to stitch single crochet

Step 7:

To move to the next stitch, repeat these steps, inserting your hook in the next chain.

The turning chain

Remember: You only have to skip a chain at the beginning of the first row. After you complete your first row, you'll chain one stitch before turning your work to begin the second row. This is called a turning chain, and it just gives the first stitch of your crochet row height so it lines up with the other stitches.

The turning chain does not count as a stitch, and you only need to do it at the end of the row. Need more help? Check out this in-depth look at turning chains.

Single crochet on the second row

Once you've crocheted that turning chain, you might notice that the stitches you're about to crochet into look slightly different than the chain you started with in your first row. Instead of crocheting into the center of the chain, you'll insert your hook into the top of the single crochet stitch.

Stitching the second row of single crochet

While it's true that you're inserting your hook into two loops, treat them as one. Wrap the yarn around the hook, then pull the loop through that stitch, leaving you with two loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook once more, pull through the two loops, and you've made a single crochet!